Appearance and Character

Maekar was powerfully built and wore a beard. His eyes were violet, and his hair was such a pale blond that it was almost white. He had straight hair and a square-cut beard, both being the color of silver with a hint of gold. He was thickly-built and powerful-looking. Pox scars marred his cheeks.[3]

Maekar had his own personal coat of arms, the three-headed Targaryen dragon, quartered.[4] As king, Maekar wore a crown of black iron points in a band of red gold.[5][6]

Maekar was a harsh man, quick to judge and to condemn. Unlike his brother Baelor, he was not charismatic and could not make friends and allies easily. After Baelor's accidental death by his hands, Maekar became even more stern and unforgiving.[5]

Biography

Youth

Maekar was the fourth son of King Daeron II Targaryen and Queen Mariah Martell.[7] He had three older brothers: Baelor, Aerys, and Rhaegel.[3] While King Daeron was no warrior, it was noted that two of his sons - Baelor and Maekar - appeared to be "all that could be wished in a knight, lord, or heir." Baelor was a tourney champion at seventeen, and Maekar seemed likely to show similar skills.[7]

Nevertheless, Maekar felt unappreciated. The victory was more attributed to his brother and the errors of Daemon Blackfyre, than to his efforts. In other things he also stood in the shadow of his brothers, wounding his pride. Raymun Fossoway said of him: "Not as bold as Prince Baelor, nor as clever as Prince Aerys nor as gentle as Prince Rhaegel, and now he must suffer seeing his own sons overshadowed by his brother's."[3]

Some time around 207 AC or 208 AC,[9] King Daeron II had four grown sons, three with sons of their own. He felt that having too many potential Targaryen heirs was dangerous, and sent Maekar's third son Aemon to the Citadel to become a maester, despite his father's objections.[10] Maekar's wife Dyanna Dayne died some time before 209 AC.[3]

Tourney at Ashford

In 209 AC, a tourney was held in Ashford. Maekar attended to see his sons Daeron and Aerion compete, and his fourth son Aegon was to squire for Daeron. Unfortunately, the tourney at Ashford Meadow proved disastrous for Maekar and his sons. Daeron drank himself into a stupor before reaching the tournament, Aegon joined the service of the hedge knightDuncan the Tall in disguise as "Egg", and Aerion shamed himself during the joust by deliberately killing his opponent's horse. When Dunk attacked Aerion to defend an innocent puppeteer and Aerion demanded a trial by combat, Maekar supported Aerion's call for vengeance as well as Daeron's accusation that Dunk had kidnapped Aegon.[3]

During the trial of seven, Maekar came to blows with his brother Baelor, who fought for Dunk, and delivered a lethal mace blow to Baelor's head. Baelor survived the trial, but died soon after taking off his helmet. Maekar suspected that he would thereafter be held in suspicion as a kinslayer. Dealing with the problems of his sons, Maekar banished Aerion to the Free Cities and offered Dunk a position in his personal guard to serve as a role model for Aegon. After Dunk refused, Maekar allowed Aegon to accompany Dunk as his squire.[3] Maekar made Aegon promise to keep his hair shaved or dyed, to remain incognito, and also gave him a signet ring with his personal seal for his protection in case of emergencies.[4]

During the Third Blackfyre Rebellion in 219 AC, Maekar was recognized for his leadership. Aegor "Bittersteel" Rivers was captured in battle, and Maekar's son Aerion and uncle Bloodraven urged that he be executed. But King Aerys was merciful, and allowed Bittersteel to join the Night's Watch, a fate he managed to escape. Maekar's opinion on Bittersteel's punishment is unknown.[11]

Reign

After Aerys's death in 221 AC, Maekar took the Iron Throne. Such was Maekar's desire to split from the past, that upon his coronation he had a new crown forged, more warlike than previous crowns, since the crown of Aegon the Conqueror had been lost in Dorne upon Daeron the Young Dragon's death. Nevertheless, Maekar's reign, coming between two Blackfyre Rebellions, is generally regarded as peaceful.[5] And despite his previous strife with Bloodraven, Maekar kept his uncle as Hand of the King.[5]

Quotes about Maekar I

And my father...he never thought the throne would pass to him, and yet it did. He used to say that was his punishment for the blow that slew his brother. I pray he found the peace in death that he never knew in life.[18]